100% Satisfaction Guarantee

Try the first lesson and if you’re not satisfied we'll refund any unused lessons.

100% Satisfaction Guarantee

100% Satisfaction Guarantee

We know that starting lessons is a big step and we want you to feel confident
booking with us. If you are not completely satisfied,
we'll help you find a new teacher or you can receive a refund for any unused lessons
within the first year from the date of purchase.

Aleksis delivers an exceptional lesson experience and ranks in the top
15% of our teachers nationwide.

Teaches students:

Ages 2+ and special needs

Teaching since:

April 1992

My name is Aleksis B., but many of my students know me as Mr. B. I am a professional instructor and performing musician who combines a love of music with a desire to help others who want to achieve their highest musical potential. I try to make that passion show in everything I do.

My education includes classical voice training with Michele Howard Hansen, an opera singer that often performs at the Kennedy Center. I studied piano with Geoffrey Chappell, who writes for Jazz Times. I also received compositional training on multiple instruments from Stanley Cowell, who recorded and performed with legends like Miles Davis.

I have been performing professionally since 1992. I studied education in college and did my student teaching in a music class at Goshen Elementary School in Gaithersburg, Maryland.

I have been teaching music professionally now for over twenty years. Some students want to take a few lessons to see if it is something they will enjoy, others have worked with me for over a decade. I have mentored several students who have gone on to professional careers. I have experienced a lot of success teaching young children and those with special needs. I have been blessed with a tremendous amount of patience and truly enjoy teaching anyone who wants to learn.

Whatever your goals or abilities, I look forward to working with you!

*** Lesson Details ***
Experience fun based lessons as my teaching approach is relaxed and inspirational. I enjoy working with all ages, adjusting my teaching methods to accommodate your learning style and abilities. Learn to play the music you love! You learn best when you enjoy what you are playing, I can help you play along with your favorites or even write your own songs. I always ask my students at the beginning of a lesson "What would you like to do today?" Then structure the lesson accordingly into a routine that the student can practice on their own. Generally the time is divided into warm ups, learning new material, then picking a fun song the student choses. Whether your interest is Classical, Jazz, Rock, Pop music, etc... I'm here help you reach your goals so let's make your dreams come true with music together!

*** Specialties ***
With Voice I specialize in helping people prepare for auditions such as American Idol. I have students who simply want to be karaoke stars. I have several professional singers that hire me as a voice coach and producer for recording sessions. I have taught children as young as 2 and those that retired with a lifelong dream to sing. Though my training is classical, I can teach Jazz, Pop, Rock, Rap, R&B, etc...whatever is fun for the student. I highly recommend learning to read music but I do not push it unless parents want their child to.

With Piano I can teach traditionally from Alfred and Bastien Piano Courses depending if they are auditory or visual learners. For Kinesthetic learners I use Hanon scale exercises and Rothman Rhythm Exercises. For those that want to learn notation I introduce classical and Jazz composers unless there is a popular artist/band/movie theme etc...that they would like to learn. However I do not push students to read music unless their parents would prefer it. I tend to keep more students that want to learn to play by ear especially adults by using rhythm training and music theory exercises and then applying them to songs they love. For piano I haven't had much success with children younger than 3. I also have a lot experience working with special needs children.

For Guitar I teach Classical, Acoustic, and Electric all styles and genres. I encourage sight reading but don't mind using tabs. I use more exercises with these students, since the first month students have a hard time making a sound. I try to make the lessons fun by having students strum chords along with songs they chose. I teach lead and rhythm even songwriting and composition. Job satisfaction for me is seeing my students leave a lesson with a smile on their face so I make sure to be a fun based teacher that doesn't give the student a hard time about not practicing.

For Recording and Performance I use the knowledge I gained doing Pro Audio Sales for Guitar Center from 2000-2002 to help clients build their own home studio. I have lots of producers and engineers I work with on a regular basis to produce broadcast quality audio and video recordings and help my students use their lessons and pre-production for those opportunities. I can teach Garage Band or Pro Tools classes on navigating the software and utilizing all the commands. I can also teach room acoustics and using the right microphone and how to position them with the right equipment and the right acoustics to get the best possible tone that they are looking for. I can also teach editing, mixing, looping, sampling, midi, and mastering so that the student can eventually work on their own writing, performing, and recording their music.

Excellent first lesson. Discussed long term goals, then spent the remaining time with finger exercises, chord practice, and then we worked on a new song. Aleksis was very patient and he made a great effort to focus on what what most important to me. Exceeded expectations

My boys are 3 years apart, and they've taken two lessons with Aleksis. He's done a great job catering to their different levels and interest. He's very patient and encouraging. My boys like him a lot. I think we will continue learning from Aleksis for a long time.

Not only one of the best guitar teachers but best teacher in general. Aleksis did the impossible which was actually get me to learn theory. He has a knack for understanding the students learning style and creating a customized program that works best for the student. Lessons are always fun and informative and nothing feels forced. Would highly recommend to anyone looking for a great instructor.

I've had two lessons with Aleksis and have really enjoyed them. He is very helpful and nice. He goes at the perfect pace for me and he adjusts the lesson to my skills and likes. I'm looking forward to continuing my lessons with him!

Taylor
Jan 19, 2017

Bass Guitar·In home

My Daughter really enjoyed her lesson. Aleksis knowledge of music was excellent.

Hamilton S.
Dec 29, 2016

Singing·In home

I've improved by leaps and bounds with my singing lessons with Aleksis. I highly recommend him as a teacher. He makes sure you work on what YOU want to improve on, all while offering kindly advice as to what can make you an overall better singer. I'm really looking forward to many more lessons!

He's cool and fun, also very flexible with learning approaches and great with kids, just what our 8-yr-old needs.

Hazel H.
May 17, 2016

Piano·In home

Great!

Nunu L.
May 2, 2016

Piano·In home

Very patient and supportive attitude!

Barbara S.
Mar 5, 2016

Singing·In home

Aleksis is very personable, knowledgeable, and kind. He makes the lesson fun and definitely puts you at ease. Would highly recommend him!

Evelyn
Mar 5, 2016

Piano·In home

We have had three lessons with Aleksis so far. My daughter is an intermediate level student - she took piano lessons for 6 years before we moved from Chicago to Frederick. I think there is unique challenges in taking over a student who had been taught be a different teacher for a long time. Aleksis is doing a great job.

Excellent teacher, very knowledgeable and patience. Xena loves her first piano lesson!!

Lane H.
Sep 10, 2015

Guitar·In home

Awesome first lesson! Am so excited we found Mr. B! Thank you!!

Ethan G.
Jun 11, 2015

Piano·In home

Aless really seemed to connect with our son. Will be looking forward to see how continued lessons go.

Lethe L.
May 14, 2015

Guitar·In home

Really great teacher! :)

Ramu G.
May 7, 2015

Singing·In home

Aleksis' lessons are very structured, he comes prepared and has a lesson plan ready which makes things much easier. He gives me practice sessions which are also very helpful.

Alexander R.
Apr 17, 2015

Piano·In home

Aleksis is a good Teacher. He is very understanding, patient, conscientious and professional. I have medical needs : Seizures. Once when I seized just seconds before starting the lesson, he was very empathetic, understanding and kind. My Parents are also very happy with the Company he is employed with . Our experience with "Take lessons" has been fantastic so far. Their (the staff that we have talked to various times ) P.R. is excellent and they are prompt in sending and finding the tutors.

Aleksis has been the best teacher (in any subject) that I've ever had! He's very calm and patient, but also stays focused on teaching. Every time I have a question he has a good answer, proving to me that he is very knowledgeable.

Most importantly the results of his instruction have been excellent. I've made more progress under his tutelage in two months than I've made over a couple of years on my own.

An excellent teacher and very affable, I can only think of good things to write about Mr. Aleksis!

I started singing backup vocals in a band and at the age of 57 it's not easy. Alexis has been great. He is very patient, kind and encouraging. I enjoy our lessons and feel he is getting the best of my abilities.
I'm having a great time.

Aleksis is an awesome piano teacher. I have taken lessons from him for 3 years. His method is fun and effective. He adjusts his teaching style based on how you learn and how you want to play. I know this because he also taught my husband guitar and did some sessions with our niece and nephew when they were visiting. He is great with kids with his very positive and fun approach.

This teacher is very knowledgeable and is an excellent trainor. I gave him only two stars because I only met with him two times and that is not enough time to access one's overall skills; however, from the lessons given, the materials provided and the patience shown I am sure he is at least four stars. I had to stop short because I had some familyschedule changes but will start back soon for a long term contract.